The Jefferson Water Treatment Plant recently underwent a major overhaul costing over 35 million dollars, made possible through federal funds..  Not only was the treatment capacity upgraded to 65 million gallons of water per day, but process and electrical upgrades enhanced the reliability of the treatment process.  Some of the improvements to the water plant also included the replacement of power poles and the overhead wiring with a looped underground electrical power distribution system, which includes three electrical buildings housing new motor control centers.  In addition, new traveling water screens and a new floculator and upgrade of existing units and relift pumps now provide a more reliable hydraulic capacity.  Plus, four new gravity filters and rehabilitation of existing filters permit the facility to respond to wide variations in river water turbidity.  Also, a new high service pump and an additional clearwell will provide a more uniform water system pressure.

“The Jefferson Water Treatment Plant is the heart of the city – providing our community with sufficient quality and quantity of water,” said Congressman Cuellar. “This is a perfect example of federal and local governments working together to provide necessary infrastructure. This investment, made possible by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act, will alleviate the burden on the local taxpayer and ensure our water needs are met for decades to come.”

This project was designed by Carollo Engineers and constructed by Pepper Lawson Construction. This project was funded by the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009 (ARRA) in the amount of approximately $35,000,000, and an additional $1,200,000 of City funds.  This project was administered by the Texas Water Development Board.

“Let us not forget the new Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition system (SCADA),” stated Utilities Director, Tomas Rodriguez, “now it’s combined with new flow meters and motor operated valves that will permit increased precision in chemical addition for reduced operating costs.”  Rodriguez further mentioned that the entire community will benefit from these multi-million dollar improvements, and would the City of Laredo not have received the ARRA funds, the City of Laredo Utilities Department would have been faced with having to double the water rates to fund these improvements.

Rodriguez added that, “the City of Laredo is very thankful to U.S. Congressman Henry Cuellar for their continued support in helping Laredo obtain these federal funds for major water infrastructure improvements that will serve the entire community.”